17 Tips for Creating Engaging Video Content
Digital Marketing Interviews
17 Tips for Creating Engaging Video Content
Ever wondered what it takes to create video content that truly captivates an audience? In this Q&A style article, insights from Founders and Chief Marketing Officers reveal their top strategies for engagement. The discussion kicks off with the importance of crafting a resonant narrative and concludes with practical advice on addressing audience pain points, offering a total of seventeen expert insights. Dive in to discover the secrets behind video content that not only stands out but leaves a lasting impression.
- Craft a Resonant Narrative
- Use a Compelling Hook
- Focus on Authentic Storytelling
- Deliver Value Upfront
- Start With a Strong Hook
- Prioritize Story and Authenticity
- Address Audience Pain Points
- Deliver High-End Cinematic Visuals
- Customize for Brand Identity
- Answer Frequently Asked Questions
- Balance Creativity and Strategy
- Start With Something Unexpected
- Illuminate Complex Legal Paths
- Begin With a Strong Hook
- Understand Platform and Audience
- Hook With a Thought-Provoking Sentence
- Address Audience Pain Points
Craft a Resonant Narrative
Creating engaging video content starts with understanding your audience and delivering value in every second. My strategy is built on three pillars: storytelling, clarity, and action. First, I craft a narrative that resonates emotionally or intellectually with the target viewer. This comes from deep research into what they want, need, or struggle with. Next, I keep the message clear and concise; nobody wants to watch a rambling video. Finally, I include a strong call to action, whether it's visiting a website, subscribing, or implementing a tip shared in the video. A well-structured script, compelling visuals, and high-quality audio make all the difference. The goal is to provide viewers with a clear takeaway that feels like it was worth their time.
One example of this strategy in action was when I helped a struggling e-commerce business create a video series to boost their online presence. They sold eco-friendly home products but were lost in a crowded market. I suggested focusing on the story behind their mission: how they sourced their materials and the impact on the environment. We created short, visually rich videos highlighting these elements while addressing customer pain points like affordability and durability. Using my MBA in finance and decades of experience scaling businesses, I helped them balance production costs with maximum ROI. The result? Their engagement rate tripled, website traffic soared, and sales increased within six months. The key takeaway is that videos stand out when they connect authentically and leave viewers inspired to act.
Use a Compelling Hook
Engaging video content starts with one critical element: a compelling hook.
That's because attention is your most valuable currency. You have just seconds to stop someone from scrolling past your video.
The hook is what grabs them and makes them pause long enough to care about what you have to say. Without it, even the most insightful video content won't get watched.
Here's how to nail it:
1) Start with the viewer in mind. Your audience isn't interested in your intro or credentials—they care about what's in it for them. Speak directly to their challenges, goals, or curiosity from the very first frame.
For example, instead of starting with, "Hi, I'm [name], and I'm here to talk about marketing," open with something like, "Struggling to get leads on LinkedIn? Here's why your posts aren't working."
2) Use a pattern interrupt. This could be a bold statement, an intriguing question, or an unexpected visual element (like stepping into frame). Anything that disrupts the predictable flow of content in their feed.
For instance, "Most people are doing LinkedIn video wrong—and it's killing their results."
3) Keep it short. Your hook needs to be fast. A great hook gets to the point in 3-5 seconds. After that, you can dive deeper into your message.
4) Test and adapt. Pay attention to what resonates. Hooks are part art, part science. Analyze which intros keep viewers engaged and experiment with variations.
Here's the kicker: The hook isn't just for grabbing attention. It also sets the tone for your video. A strong hook promises value—and if you deliver on that promise, your audience will keep coming back for more.
So, if you want your videos to stand out, make your hook impossible to ignore.
Think of it as the headline of your video—the part that convinces someone to give you their time.
Focus on Authentic Storytelling
My strategy for creating engaging video content is to focus on storytelling. No matter the subject, a compelling story draws viewers in and keeps them connected emotionally. Whether it's a marketing video, a documentary, or a music video, I always ask: What's the story here? Who are the characters, and what journey are we taking the audience on? One tip I have for making your videos stand out is to focus on authenticity. Don't be afraid to show real people, real moments, and genuine emotions. For instance, in our documentary The Invisible Ones: Homeless Combat Veterans, we captured raw, heartfelt interviews that brought viewers face-to-face with the human side of homelessness. This authenticity made the film resonate deeply with audiences, many of whom took action to help solve the crisis of homeless veterans languishing on the streets and under the highway bridges of America.
Deliver Value Upfront
When creating video content, we focus on delivering value upfront-whether it's demonstrating product features, providing educational insights, or sharing customer success stories. We ensure that the first few seconds grab attention by addressing a pain point and immediately offering a solution. For example, in one of our videos, we start with a common problem faced by project managers, followed by a solution provided by NimbleWork. One tip I would give for making videos stand out is to keep them concise and highly relevant. Don't overcomplicate the message; instead, focus on solving one specific issue that will resonate with your target audience. Engage with your viewers by asking them questions in the video and encouraging them to interact in the comments.
Start With a Strong Hook
Creating engaging video content begins with understanding your audience and crafting a narrative that resonates emotionally or solves a specific problem. A key strategy is starting with a strong hook in the first few seconds to capture attention, followed by delivering value through storytelling or actionable insights. To make videos stand out, focus on authenticity—show real people, behind-the-scenes moments, or relatable scenarios. For example, brands that share customer success stories in a conversational tone often see higher engagement. Prioritize quality visuals, clear messaging, and a call-to-action that encourages interaction for maximum impact.
Prioritize Story and Authenticity
My strategy for creating engaging video content starts with an unwavering focus on narrative. Every great video, regardless of its type or purpose, thrives on a story that evolves naturally, resonates emotionally, and resolves meaningfully. A compelling narrative serves as the backbone of any production—it pulls the audience in, keeps them engaged, and leaves them thinking about what they've just seen long after the screen fades to black.
One of my favorite ways to make videos stand out is to draw inspiration from true stories and real-life events. Authenticity has an unparalleled ability to connect with viewers because it reflects the raw, unfiltered essence of life. Stories born from real happenings carry the power to surprise us, move us, and most importantly, remind us of our shared humanity.
When weaving these narratives, I pay close attention to creating an emotional journey that mirrors real life—complete with challenges, growth, and ultimately, a positive resolution. The happy ending is a crucial component. It doesn't necessarily mean everything is perfect, but rather that there is a sense of hope, progress, or understanding. This leaves the audience not only entertained but also uplifted, inspired to take action or view the world a little differently.
By staying true to this approach, I've found that videos don't just stand out—they stick with people, creating a lasting impact that goes beyond the screen. It's like that punch in the stomach that didn't hurt but we won't forget.
Address Audience Pain Points
For our brand, it's essential to focus on addressing the specific pain points of your audience and showcasing how the product provides relief. Incorporating customer testimonials and real-life success stories helps build credibility and forge an emotional connection with viewers. High-quality visuals and sound are crucial to create a professional and comfortable viewing experience.
Keep your videos short but informative, ensuring you educate your audience while clearly demonstrating the product's benefits. To make your videos stand out, experiment with attention-grabbing headlines, soothing background music, and relatable scenarios that speak to the everyday struggles of those experiencing chronic pain.
Deliver High-End Cinematic Visuals
In today's marketplace, where low-fi, user-generated content dominates, we've made it our mission to stand out by delivering high-end, cinematic visuals. At our production company we believe that quality speaks volumes, especially when it's paired with a compelling story. Anyone can grab a smartphone and record a video, but when you combine beautiful lighting, sharp cinematography, and the right pacing, you create something that doesn't just catch the eye, it draws people in like they're watching a movie.
One of the best pieces of advice I can give is this: don't always compete on quantity, consider quality. A single, beautifully crafted video that hits the right emotional notes can have more impact than a dozen forgettable clips. Our approach is to create videos that feel more like art than ads, giving brands a sense of authority and sophistication. In a world where scrolling is endless, cinematic storytelling is how you make people pause, connect, and remember your message.
Customize for Brand Identity
My strategy for creating engaging video content revolves around storytelling and understanding the audience's needs. Each video starts with identifying the core message and crafting a narrative that resonates emotionally while delivering value. We focus on combining compelling visuals with clear, concise scripts to keep viewers hooked from start to finish.
One tip for making your videos stand out is to prioritize customization. Tailor every element-colors, animations, and tone-to align with the client's brand identity. For example, using unique motion graphics or character styles that reflect the brand's personality can make the video not just memorable but also relatable to the target audience. Personalization elevates the content, making it more impactful and engaging.
Answer Frequently Asked Questions
My strategy for creating engaging video content is to focus on what the audience cares about most. I always recommend starting with your company's frequently asked questions because if people are already asking, they're likely interested in the answers. Keep your videos simple and direct so the message is easy to understand. Interview-style videos work really well because they feel natural and authentic. Testimonial videos, where customers share their real experiences, are especially powerful—they build trust and connection. Remember, the key is to create content that speaks directly to your audience and gives them value.
Balance Creativity and Strategy
Creating engaging video content requires a thoughtful approach that balances creativity and strategic messaging. One effective strategy is to start by understanding your target audience and their preferences. Research their interests, pain points, and viewing habits to tailor your content accordingly. Additionally, consider the following tips to make your videos stand out:
Tell a Compelling Story: Craft a narrative that captivates your viewers from the start. Connect emotionally with your audience by sharing relatable experiences or presenting a relatable problem and offering a solution. Stories have the power to engage and resonate with viewers on a deeper level.
Focus on Quality and Production Value: Invest in high-quality production to create a visually appealing and professional-looking video. This includes using good lighting, clear audio, and smooth camera movements. A well-produced video enhances credibility and improves viewer engagement.
Keep it Concise and Engaging: Attention spans are short, so aim to deliver your message concisely. Get to the point quickly and maintain a fast-paced editing style to keep viewers engaged throughout the video. Use visual effects, captivating visuals, and concise storytelling techniques to maintain interest.
Add a Call to Action (CTA): Encourage viewers to take action after watching your video. Whether it’s subscribing to your channel, visiting your website, or making a purchase, a clear and compelling CTA can drive conversions and engagement.
Creating engaging video content takes ongoing experimentation and improvement. Use viewer feedback, track performance metrics, and adjust your strategy to keep improving and delivering value to your audience.
Start With Something Unexpected
To make engaging video content, start with something unexpected—a bold statement or a question that grabs attention right away. Skip the fancy intros and dive straight into what matters. My tip is don't worry about making it perfect. People connect more with real, raw content that feels genuine, not overly polished.
Illuminate Complex Legal Paths
Just like a lighthouse guiding ships through stormy seas, engaging video content illuminates complex legal paths for those seeking answers.
One of our most successful trust-building initiatives has been developing our comprehensive mesothelioma video education series. Our clients facing mesothelioma diagnoses often feel overwhelmed by legal complexities. That's why we created clear, accessible video content addressing their most pressing questions. Our strategy focuses on breaking down crucial topics like filing deadlines, lawsuit timelines, and different types of claims available to patients and families. The results have exceeded our expectations in every way. Our key videos have reached more than 20,000 views, revealing an essential need for accessible legal information. Our method for creating engaging content begins with careful identification of common client questions. We then ensure each video provides immediate value to viewers seeking legal guidance.
"Our top tip: incorporate professional visuals and captions for better accessibility."
For other leaders looking to build trust through video content, we've learned that prioritizing accessibility and clarity is paramount. This helps viewers who prefer watching without sound and emphasizes key points to make complex legal information more digestible. Our commitment to clear communication has transformed our client relationships. Many tell us they feel more confident and informed about their legal journey after watching our content. The viewership numbers and positive feedback speak to the power of our video series. This underscores how transparent, educational content builds lasting trust and empowers clients during challenging times. We maintain consistent professional quality in every video. Each one focuses on clear, actionable information that directly addresses specific client concerns.
Begin With a Strong Hook
My strategy to make my video engaging starts with a strong hook. Capturing attention in the first few seconds is everything, so I like to begin with something unexpected, like a question that sparks curiosity or a surprising fact that viewers didn't know they needed. For example, opening with, "Did you know the average person spends six years of their life stuck in traffic?" immediately grabs attention and sets the stage for the content.
The hook isn't just about being catchy-it needs to make the viewer feel like they're about to learn or gain something valuable. Whether it's an eye-opening statistic or a visually striking moment, the goal is to pull them in so they can't look away. Those first few seconds decide if they stay or scroll.
Understand Platform and Audience
Creating engaging video content hinges on understanding the platform and audience. Each social channel has its own unique culture and expectations. We focus on crafting videos that feel native to the platform—short, punchy, and visually captivating for TikTok, Instagram, or even YouTube Shorts. The key is blending entertainment with brand messaging seamlessly. One tip to make videos stand out on social media is to use real-time trends or challenges to your advantage. Leverage popular music, hashtags, or formats but put your unique spin on them. This helps your content feel relevant while still aligning with your brand's identity. It's about staying authentic while tapping into the broader conversation.
Hook With a Thought-Provoking Sentence
I always start with a thought-provoking sentence. Be it a question, a stat or fact, or simply a bold, maybe unpopular or controversial statement. The point is to hook the audience right away as our attention spans are extremely short. Once I've got them intrigued, they'll be much more likely to stick around and actually listen to what I have to say. And another important thing: I make sure to make it more about them and less about me.
Address Audience Pain Points
We start with the audience-what are their pain points, desires, or curiosities-and craft a story that speaks directly to them. Instead of focusing solely on selling, we aim to educate, entertain, or inspire, making the content feel valuable rather than intrusive. Engagement skyrockets when viewers feel like the video was made just for them.
Use dynamic pacing to keep viewers hooked-alternate between quick, eye-catching cuts and slower, emotionally resonant moments. This rhythmic variation keeps attention high and emotions engaged, ensuring the video doesn't just blend into the endless scroll. A standout video is one that takes your audience on a visual and emotional journey.
